Heisman Watch 2014 Prediction: Marcus Mariota Leaves Little Doubt About Who Should Win
ByThe finalists for the 2014 Heisman Trophy Award have been announced, but it seems as though two of them just won a front-row seat to watch Marcus Mariota win the honor.
Revealed this week on ESPN's "Sportscenter," the three finalists are Mariota, Oregon's quarterback, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper and Wisconsin Nebraska running back Melvin Gordon.
Heisman voter are not allowed to share their ballots with the public before the award ceremony, but one in particular seemed to strongly indicate who he voted for. Pat Forde, of Yahoo Sports, put it simply: "Nobody played better in 2014 than Marcus Mariota. And no, it's not close."
As a college football analyst, not a Heisman voter, Forde noted how Mariota has done everything the Oregon offense has needed him to do in order to be successful. He has also gone beyond, committing just two turnovers all season long while racking up 38 touchdowns through the air, 14 on the ground and one touchdown reception. His grand total yardage was 4,478 (if you include his one 26-yard TD reception).
Grantland also ran a piece with the headline: "Heisman Watch: And Then There Were Three (OK, One If We're Being Honest)" and photo of Mariota in a Heisman pose. Matt Borcas described the Oregon passer as the "SureFire, Deserving Winner" and said the "inevitable win" was not without a few breaks.
For one, the reigning Heisman winner, Florida State QB Jameis Winston, had a horrible season. Secondly, Ohio State QB Braxton Miller did not play a single snap due to a preseason shoulder injury. Thirdly, his team was a preseason favorite for the inaugural College Football Playoff and wound up ranked second overall.
As Bleacher Report noted in a resume comparison, both Gordon and Cooper were the best players in their respective positions, but Mariota simply had a season for the ages and the Heisman has become an award that favors quarterbacks.